Leora Day

M. Leora Ashe Day, a beacon of warmth and joy, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 in Lubbock, Texas, where she had lived with her daughter and son-in-law since 2015. Born on February 26, 1930, in Stuart, Iowa, to Burton and Charlotte Watson Ashe, Leora's life was a tapestry of love, laughter, and resilience.
Leora graduated from Richland High School in 1948, and a year later, on her 19th birthday, she married Gordon Hayes Day at the Richland Friends Church. Together, they built a life in and around the Ollie, Iowa area, where they farmed and nurtured their family.
Leora's career was as diverse as her interests. She held various jobs outside the home, including working at the vacuum factory in Fairfield, the Pekin schools, various state and federal agencies, The Yield Company in Fairfield, and her favorite role as a greeter at Walmart in both Ottumwa and Fairfield. Her welcoming smile and genuine kindness made her a beloved figure in the community.
Leora's passions extended beyond her professional life. She cherished spending time with family and friends, and her joy was evident in the activities she loved: card parties, water skiing, camping, square dancing, church activities, and hosting big meals. Her laughter and enthusiasm were infectious, and she brought people together with her vibrant spirit.
Leora is survived by her son, John (Ann) Day of Ollie, and her daughter, Linda (David) Taliaferro of Lubbock, Texas. Her legacy lives on through her nine grandchildren: Michelle (EJ) Wonderlich-Moses, Megan Suhr, Anna (James) Scotton, Christina (Travis) Kane, Amanda (Jason) Camp, Erik Stevens, Cathy (Alex) Beebe, Andrea (Dillan) Taylor, and Nicholas (Patty) Taliaferro. She also leaves behind eighteen great-grandchildren: Taylor (Kris) Jones, Zachary (Ali) Wonderlich, Isabella and Madeline Suhr, Gavin, Sebastian, Edison and Laney Siver, Hazel Kane, Jacob, Adrian and Quimby Scotton, Eloise Camp, Nellie and Teddy Beebe, Olivia (Tannon) Judkins, Aurora Lawson, and Selah Taylor, as well as three great-great-grandchildren: Aubree and Waylon Wonderlich and Dominic Jones.
Leora was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gordon, and her siblings Lucille Cox, Richard Ashe, and Rosalyn Krier.
Services to honor Leora's remarkable life will be held at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held at the funeral home an hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Friends Cemetery in Richland. Memorials in Leora's honor can be made to the Woolson Friends Church Youth Group and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com